After years of "shall I, shan't I", I have finally decided to upgrade. I was looking for something like an Orkney Pilothouse, but less factory-made and more customisable. I found the perfect boat, a Harley 25 from the same designer as the Duver 23. The builder has made about 12 so far, and is going back into production soon. This is his work boat, sold to make way for production boats. Anything can be built, from moulds for owner completion, to a basic work boat like this one, to £100K plus luxury gentleman's cruiser. My plan is to add a few fittings to improve safety, and fit out the inside for comfort. It is called Rebel Runner, and the plan was to bring her over from the present owner, have the survey done, engine and leg checked out then back to the builder for a refit of the bulky items then back again for the finishing touches. Here she is as she arrived here.
Next important job was the hull survey. She passed with flying colours, as expected. Solid as a rock (or nearly, not planning to test that!) Then the check of the engine and leg. The bellows had leaked so a new UJ and gimbal bearings are required. The engine is a Yanmar 240HP with low hours, just a clamp for the exhaust manifold needed then a full load test. While waiting for the parts, I spent the weekend underneath applying antifouling and a nice smart white boot top.
New wiper motors, blades and arms have arrived, these will be fitted next. Gary will be making a new instrument panel (I hope!) ready for when the engine controls are moved in the refit. There is a long list of things to be done, inside and outside. Watch this space :)
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